OccupyLA

I'm lovin the power and energy of the movement that's going on right now. I've had the pleasure of going downtown to the Los Angeles version of what's going on in NYC and the Occupy Wall Street. I've heard about other cities across the country that have the same movement. It's pretty amazing. Sort of like the 60's again and it's definitely needed. Too much has happened and too many people have been asleep at the wheel of comfort, watching from the sidelines. And when you watch the politicians play childish games and debate trivial issues at the expense of lives, you wonder why is this allowed to happen. I'm glad to see what's happening with the various "occupations" and I pray something vital comes of all of it. For sure Washington is listening and watching but them actually doing something is a whole different thing. I don't believe the system will change or be overhauled so to speak but I do hope all this sweat, blood and energy will force things in the right direction and keep the so-called political leaders in check. I was also blessed to see Dr. Cornel West and Tavis Smiley speak at the OccupyLA site downtown and that was a real treat. I'll definitely make my way downtown again to capture more incredible moments like these... God Bless those good people sacrificing for everyone...

Overcast Dayz...

Today was a beautiful, peaceful, overcast day. I was off from work so I decided to visit a couple of cemeteries where my mom and grandmother were laid to rest. Normally, it might take me an hour or and hour and a half to visit both locations but being that this is LA traffic on a friday, it took me twice that amount of time. Still, it was nice to visit and place flowers on their graves, say a few prayers and take in the moment. I sometimes wonder if other family visit as I feel that no one should ever forget and always pay respect to loved ones. I realize we all have our own ways and hold onto the belief that those spirits are perhaps with us all the time but nevertheless, I feel its important to still visit the places where we lay their bodies to rest. Just doing that today made it a special day but after that, LA traffic took away my motivation to do anything else.. I guess I'm not into driving too much like I used to be... God Bless mom and grandmother; Gloria Rivers and Alzata Moorings....

Back again for more...

"When there's never enough time, you always look forward."
-VAR

There's an old saying that I hear from time to time when I least expect a moment of reminiscing and that is "if only they could see me now" or something to that effect. Usually when I hear that in my mind, I'm thinking about my mom. So many times I wish she were here to be a part of what has become so special in my life. I can recall many moments when she wished she could see and experience what it would be like to visit other countries. It didn't matter which one, though she did have at the top of her list, Great Britain, France, maybe China but if she were still around, she would've experienced the beautiful times I've had now in the Philippines. She would've gotten spoiled and amazed by her discovery and probably asked my love if she could simply stay in her house by the beach and do absolutely nothing. Out there she might miss her TV shows and especially her sports but she'd love the scenery and those delicious sausages every morning aka Longaniza.

Anyway, I say all that to say that recently I returned to the Philippines for my second visit. It was just as wonderful as the first time around. It felt again like home though this time my love and I just stuck around the home province rather than venturing off to other places like Boracay, Tagaytay, etc. This time it felt as if we were practicing being retired and in between all of that practicing was adventure, drama, baptism, lots of love, me sort of getting sick and gorgeous mornings followed by beautiful sunset filled evenings. Wow... watching a sunset every single evening never gets old. It was better than TV. And the highlight for me was the same as the first time around; the people. The kindness and endless smiles... This time, many of those smiles came from young children, especially those close by to my love's house. A stroll down the beach will find you in the middle of some wonderful people and the sweetest children who laugh, smile and wave at the mere sight of someone seemingly different from them. That someone being me. I had the greatest time just walking in the area, which was something that I wanted to do more so than anything on my return visit. I'm hoping for more of the same the next time we go. Again, I wish my mom could've been there. True, she's always with me in spirit but what an incredible time it would've been to hear her famous words of expression when she'd witness so much kindness from those that are seeing you for the very first time. She'd say "goodness!" and then she'd laugh in amazement.

I love the pride I see in the Philippines amongst everyone. I pray they never lose it or become jaded or take for granted that feeling which keeps them so positive despite the obvious poverty or lack of the so-called finer things. There was a lot of pride in the U.S. back in the day; a lot of smiles too. Now, you see anger, arrogance, a lack of caring, which sometimes gets the most attention. The spotlight loves that sort of thing in a strange way but nevertheless, it feels amazing when you come across pure goodness no matter what country you're in. And when it comes to the Philippines, I would say 95% of the time it's that kind of good feeling, at least so far... *smile* No doubt they have issues as we all have. As I said, there was drama on our trip; the kind that's controlled by man's inability to see what he has or to recognize the importance of time that goes away in a heartbeat. And many times, that drama got in the way; our way.

Pangasinan is such a great province to be in. I love the small towns and cities. To me, everything is there. All you could ever need with respect to food, fun and scenery. I'm amazed by all the various town fiestas that happen throughout the year and if you dont mind being out in the crowds, the heat and everything else then every day would be a party in those places like Mangaldan, Dagupan City, etc. I was hoping to find a really good spot where we could sit and do some people watching but we didn't discover that just yet. Next time, perhaps but it was still great.I could go on forever as the discovery continues even for me in memory. I think and imagine the times that my love and I have shared in her home country, including my very special baptism, which was something that my mother wished for and wanted to see even just before she passed away. She told me during those final days that it was her only regret. Looking forward to my next visit and the one of a kind special moment that will become the highlight.... Last year around this time we were in the final days of our vacation in the Philippines. Time is so fast but in memory, it lasts forever!

Just a day...

Today seemed to be one of those days when my senses were heightened, I suppose. I mean, I could pick up on a lot of things, with respect to human behavior in this crazy town of LA. I haven't felt this since the best days of my writing when I was actively seeking these sort of moments. It was funny, it was weird at times, it was cool; each and every moment. I had planned several errands to take care of today and at first I was lazy. It's hot outside and I didn't want to leave the comforts of home. It took me a while to get out but after basically shouting at myself to get up and take care of business, I did just that. Had some bills to pay, buy some stamps, smog check, grocery store. Nothing major but still it needed to get done rather than to be put off and remain on my mind.

At the post-office when I walked in, I noticed several people standing with the arms folded, some tapping their feet and some taking in huge breaths. I knew then that, uh-oh, someone is taking forever and driving folks crazy. The post-office had three windows open and two of them had people who asked a million questions. They tried every angle they could to get out of paying too much money. One guy even brought a print out of the rules and regulations about priority mail shipping and tried to debate the person behind the counter. He kept underlining things and saying the clerk was wrong. At the other window was a woman who didn't understand the difference between international and domestic mail. She kept saying that when she mails things to New York its not that expensive. So the clerk said "but this is going to Germany, ma'am? International rates are different." They went back and forth and were still debating each other as I was leaving. And I was five people behind the other debating customer. That was a trip, especially to hear all the whispers, deep breaths, laughter, and maybe one or two people saying "I don't fricken believe this!"

The smog test place was cool. I was pleasantly surprised by the nice help, good atmosphere, and quick service. Not much to observe there except for the expensive price of sixty-five dollars but as I waited, I had a chance to say hello to my love, which of course is always a blessing and keeps me smiling...

Smart & Final was funny... The guy working there that brings in the carts had major attitude and when I approached the cart area to grab one, he gave me the evil eye but didn't make eye contact. He just stared at my shoes. I was gonna greet him and say hello but there was just too much weirdness going on there. Haha.. Anyway, inside the store as I browsed the aisles this guy with a great southern accent greeted me as he was searching for his coffee. He explained to me the differences price-wise with the coffee and he was right. He pointed to this tiny bag of flavored coffee that cost over twelve dollars and then showed me the seven dollar, very large bag of regular coffee that he had and smiled. "Ya see what I mean?" He wished me a nice day and a great weekend and when I said to him to have a great weekend too, he responded with a very hearty "YESSS!! I will certainly do that!" He had me feeling happy just to be in the store... Haha Haha... Then I must say, it was funny to hear this guy talking on his cellphone. I usually try to ignore or getaway if I can from folks who talk way too loud on their cellphones but this guy was funny as he said to the caller "I can't hear you right now, I'm walking past the aisle with the pancakes and muffins so its probably screwing up the coverage. Can you hear me now!?!?!" Several of us laughed that were standing in the area...

So, that was about an hour and a half of my day... It's nice to know that my antenna still works as I still believe every moment of our lives is important, even the most trivial because there's a story waiting to be told everywhere. And as I was returning to my car at Smart & Final, I saw the cart guy again, he still gave me the evil eye but he looked up and almost smiled but I guess it's just not cool in his mind to be nice rather than weird.. *smile* Such is life.... at least out here..

Last Sunday...

Time is so unforgiving because it flies by without giving you much time to reflect or to absorb and observe each moment to the fullest. Seems like the days, nights; the hours and minutes zip by a lot faster than many years ago when it felt like days would last forever. They say it’s because when you’re older, that comes with the territory; time flying by. I used to agree with that but several times I’ve even heard some that fall under the category of being “young,” curse the days because they went by so fast.

“School again! What happened to the weekend; dang!”

This is why I try not to do as we all have done; fall into that groove of taking each day for granted. Do I ever take it for granted? “Sometimes” is the answer as everyone is guilty, including me. It’s another reason why I try to appreciate each moment with love and to feel so grateful when she spoils the heck out of me; which she does constantly. And this past trip we took to her home in the Philippines, though we didn’t do a lot of “exciting things” nevertheless it was beautiful and wonderful. It was like a pre-cursor to being retired together and not having a care in the world, which was almost the case due to some drama from a swindler (first initial ‘D’”) and some land issues and some umm, spirits visiting, but that’s a long still in development story. *smile* The bulk of our time there was fabulous.

Anyway, my main reason for writing this was/is to pay tribute and respect to not only the passing of a wonderful lady but also the beauty of a tradition that I believe should be practiced by everyone. I’m speaking of the tradition of celebrating the 40th day after the passing of a loved one. It gives you a chance not only to pray for their soul but to also gather and keep strong, the bond between family. That’s a moment that should never go un-appreciated. This past Sunday was the day for such a celebration in memory of Emiliana Perez; the grandmother of my love. I looked forward to it because I knew it would be plenty of smiles, laughter, great food and just an overall special time. I enjoy even just the voices that I hear. They remind me so much of the voices I'd hear from my Texas family on my father's side back in the day. The similarities are interesting. I could visualize not only stories from what I hear but great memories; both in the past and in the making... I also enjoy the handshakes; seeing my hero Julius *smile* and gazing at my love and the closeness she shares with her two sisters. Their bond makes you smile and their laughter is contagious. And, not to mention, their beautiful mom continuing on in the tradition of Emiliana. Truly a great family. 40 days, I can’t believe have already gone by! Just like with my mom, I can't believe the time since her passing so much that I hate counting just how long its been...

Still...

As Valentines Day approaches, I'd like to make mention of my grandfather, who remains an inspiration to me after so many years and even decades since his death. I continue to think about him and perhaps feel his presence. I even remember his voice not only during the good times when he'd smile and take me around the small town of Mt. Pleasant Texas but also the time when my parents snuck me into the intensive care area of the hospital to see him one last time. He was curled up in bed and in a lot of pain due to stomach cancer. He said my name as I walked in the room and his voice stuck with me ever since. From that moment, I never forgot the love, just as I've never forgotten the inspiration and dream set forth by his love for my grandmother. I've always prayed, wished, hoped for the same sort of love that I knew would be possible if I could be placed in that moment to where I stood face to face with a special someone who could give and receive the same sort of love that I believe could exist between two people. I've seen it in action thanks to my grandparents. Passionate, respectful, sweet, endearing, always caring, prideful and true.... LOVE... Yes, I found that in someone who not only reminds me of my grandmother but also my mother. And it makes me feel the same sort of thing that I believe my grandfather felt when I'd see him in his favorite rocking chair, smiling with so much pride flowing from his heart and beginning from the deepest part of his soul... My grandfather was always in love until the very end and my guess, they're up there in heaven, celebrating Valentines Day all the time. Love always has the potential of being truly amazing. And when I think of my grandfather, that's when I realize love IS amazing.. Happy Valentines Day to my grandparents and especially the love of my life.... it's a blessing that should never be taken for granted..

Happy New Year Review..

"It's one of those things where if you let it, it'll make you a better person.." I remember this guy telling me one time as we sat in a dark club with music pounding; money and drinks flowing everywhere. This was back in the early part of the last decade when I would frequent a local stripclub and became a noticeable regular. They pretty much knew what I would drink or eat without me having to order. Those days are interesting now as I look back on them; a sort of habit of the moment, at the time... That period in my life seemed to go hand in hand with what I look at now as being somewhat superficial fun. Age and maturity I guess does that to you. I mean, the jerseys over some jeans and Timberland boots. The chain around the neck. The nice watch and large amounts of money to waste and toss in the air. I did too much of that but it was fun- at the time. I was basically living in the moment, impressed by what seemed to appear as cool until noticing I’d become a caricature what was in. Then there were those nights when I’d run across actual good conversations, enlightening moments, and times that ended up as inspiration for what I would write about later. And occasionally, there are times when those voices from the club come to the forefront of my mind. Just the other day as I sat wondering what I would write about for my year end review, I couldn’t think of much to say. I struggled with this tradition I created for my blog... 2010 went by so fast and ended without any sort of feeling that, wow! It’s time to scream Happy New Year!! I didn’t feel like screaming but instead just wanted to relax and feel good because I had a three day weekend to enjoy with family and my love who makes every day, celebration in the deepest sort of way. 2010, where did it go and what happened? I don’t remember much except the end as my love had to go through the unexpected experience of losing her father. It hasn’t been a good feeling to see her go through it but at the same time, its been a blessing to be there by her side and to also be a part of such a great family that comes together and supports each other. And as that voice from the club re-entered my mind, I remembered that particular conversation was about adversity; the ups and downs of life. I remember this guy loved to speak in a serious but reflective tone for a moment and follow that with a satisfied smile. His satisfaction almost seemed like discovery as if he were surprised by the wisdom that accompanied his voice. Adversity, life changes, loss, and even the best of times can teach a great deal, if you let it but it’s those down times that cut the deepest and stain you with some sort of realization. The key is to pay attention and not allow it to knock you off your feet. You might trip but try not to fall. I don’t want to say 2010 represented adversity because it didn’t. It just ended with loss but for the most part, it was decent. The best part was my trip to the Philippines and the day to day, moment to moment love that I’m blessed to share with someone so special. She makes me feel like it's finally alright to love someone passionately... Other than that, each day blended into the next and at work, it was all about change, preparation, and vice verse. 2011 will probably be more of the same but with any luck, it’ll be highlighted by great times, adventures, and escapes from the day to day. So, I say Happy New year and just like every year now since late 2009, I miss my mom and pray she’s watching over me with pride.

Follow up tribute..

I’m old enough to have been blessed with the kind of experiences where I never feel like I’m missing out when it comes to the wild, the crazy, or the sort of experiences of today that are considered the “in” thing to do. What I miss is the potential of what could’ve been and how special the potential long lasting memory would feel like after having gone through it. Such is the case when I think about Mr. Narciso Peralta. The funeral has come and gone. He is missed especially by his daughters, his son, his wife and grandchildren. And I miss him very much too. It makes me question time and why things happen when they happen. Though he lived a full and wonderful life, I wish God could’ve given him many more years so I could enjoy his presence a little longer.

After experiencing my first trip to the Philippines last year, I placed within my heart a new dream to look forward to that would coincide with the dream that I experience every day. Like when I see my love’s smile or hear her voice or rest my head on her shoulder. My new dream and it may sound simple to others, but I truly looked forward to that day when I could hangout on the front porch with Narciso in San Carlos, Pangasinan in the Philippines and also going walking with his wife, Myrna to the market or to church; anywhere as long as I could experience what to me would feel really nice and special. I’m a strong believer in moments and how much they can potentially mean to your life, though it’s probably human nature to waste time and not realize the greatness of what you have. As I’ve grown older, I’ve gotten better at appreciating what means the most and what I can carry with me regardless of where I travel. That sort of thing is carried within the heart and soul, filed under experience and hopefully exuded through some kind of wisdom that allows you to see and actually care about all that you’ve endured. Right now, this is a moment to endure because the pleasure that I could’ve received had that simple dream been allowed to come true would have been enormous. Not to mention the blessed occasion of seeing Narciso and Myrna enjoy their golden wedding anniversary and all the smiles, laughter, and togetherness of the family. Wow, it would’ve been the ultimate in good times.

Sadly, reality is a different story and dreams have to climb in the backseat sometimes. There will still be incredible moments and a lot of love shared amongst family but the presence of Narciso will be missed a great deal. His memory however, will be treasured forever… He’s gone too soon... Another one of those, “life ain’t fair” moments.

Narciso Peralta

God took with him another great one from this world. But this man leaves behind one of the most incredible families to ever exist on this planet. I'm sure he feels proud though he left too soon because I was looking so forward to many more smiles, great stories and blessings on the front porch. I will miss Narciso Peralta very much but the little time that I've had in his presence will carry me a long way in memory. And each one of those memories makes me smile. I was just wishing he could be there for the special days ahead and what a thrill it would've been to sit with him on a porch somewhere in the Philippines. I imagine he'll simply be there in spirit and I look forward to that moment. For now I pray he watches over his beautiful family and guide them from heaven. Rest in peace and in love..... always....

Shining Moment...

I had a nice shining moment today. I was honored at work with what they call the Presidential Award. I felt like Obama with my nice new suit purchased at the Hollywood Suit Outlet for a nice low price.... *smile* The moment was nice. I was honored and touched. As always, missing my mom and wishing she could've spent that moment with me but as they say, she's watching down on me with pride. If there had been a moment of words given to us who received this award, would've definitely raised the trophy in her honor. Nevertheless, I was blessed to share the moment with friends and my love who keeps me shining from within, always.... So, cheers to the moment!

What's the curve on this midterm?

"In a perfect world where America is sincere about helping or even allowing Obama to do good things for this country, everything would surely be alright for everyone or at least headed in that direction. Right now, direction is about as sure as a coin toss."

Leftcoast Sanity

I hungout on a Saturday morning checking out the "Rally For Sanity" put on by John Stewart. Or, I should say, a smaller version of it held in Los Angeles. It was okay... I'm not sure if it inspires sanity but hopefully the overall effect of it inspires folks to go to the polls and vote intelligently. The event here in LA looked like there was maybe a little over 100 folks in MacArthur Park; all watching a slightly large projection screen that broadcasted the actual rally held in Washington DC today. It looked like a pretty amazing event to experience live in person. I've always wondered what it would be like to stand in the Washington mall and witness a sea of people as far as the eye can see. I heard a report stating that this event today was "this generation's Woodstock." Yikes! *smile* Respectfully, I dont think so. A major event. A pretty cool idea, but a couple hours can no way equate to 3 days of a life changing, true representation of the culture during that time. This event will fade away. Woodstock; we will forever continue to watch the movie and be amazed by what went down... Still, I think John Stewart has something to be proud about. I wish the turnout in LA was larger and with a greater representation from all that make up this huge city but nevertheless, it was cool... Now, time to vote...

And Then...

and then it was Grandma's turn as she waited for her bus to heaven. In the end, her strength was all but zapped from her completely. She couldn't communicate, she couldn't walk, she couldn't do for herself, and she couldn't even understand completely when her son passed away before her. As much as it might seem ideal to be able to avoid pain and sorrow, I think an individual misses out when one doesn't feel and experience the whole gamut of emotions... Perhaps later on she understood. After she was wheeled in front of the casket, she became a little more quiet. After she'd seen the tears rolling down my face, she kept her head down. And when she was brought home, she didn't eat much... And then three years later on this day(Oct. 23rd) grandma passed away. Senora Mae Rivers. I'm grateful her beautiful spirit remains and the many lessons in life that she taught me through example and pride....

Another anniversary..

Time is like a double edged sword. It flies by and leaves behind moments of loss yet at the same time when it's good, it serves as foundation for something really special like the love I share with someone that gets more and more incredible because it's so real and so right... Anyway, last October 3rd marked the 12th year anniversary of my father's passing. It's mindblowing how much time has passed and how the so-called life journey has unfolded since then. And as I get older and relive memories in my mind, they become much more powerful as if I were stepping back in time. It's a weird feeling now to the point where I have to physically shake myself to snap out of the memory. Maybe that's how it is when you get older. And as another anniversary passes, I'm thinking I no longer have to say rest in peace to my father but rather, continue in peace and I hope all is wonderful where you are...

40 Years...

It's mindblowing that it's now been 40 years since Jimi Hendrix passed away. September 18, 1970. It would be many years later that I would learn about him and discover his art and I can pretty much recall the many times that I did discover something new, starting with the times I would just see his image on an album cover and wonder who he was. Then there was many years when I denied his music because I bought into the whole stereotype of being black, which meant you really shouldn't be into so-called "rock" music but that's silly... I was uninformed and not simply following whatever tickled my soul in a musical, artistic way. Then I embraced Hendrix music and loved his style, creatively, artistically.. His passion for what he did and/or wished to do. His struggles were obvious. so much pressure thanks to the world around him/us and who really knows what or how the drugs played a part in it. I've seen articles saying he did everything in sight and other articles saying his reported drug use was overly exaggerated. Either way, what's most important is his contribution to the world of music and how what he left behind has kept his spirit alive for decades after he's gone. People still talk about him. People wear his image on t-shirts and other garments, tattoos, etc etc... Artists influenced by his style, his music, his musicianship, etc... His voice is heard somewhere in this world every day and night.. Axis Bold As Love, Hey Joe, Wind Cries Mary, Little Wing, Machine Gun, Power Of Soul, Angel, Manic Depression, Castles Made Of Sand.. the list goes on and on... Songs that will keep him forever around...

Blasts From The Past..

These images bring good times to mind. That's the blessing about capturing moments, which later serve as reminders of where you've been, traveled, and ultimately wish to return to. There's one image that represents a time that I will never be able to return to. The image in which I'm standing on a fence on land which once upon a time belonged to my family. Sometimes I wish I still owned it and other times I realize that everything happens for a reason and; it happens when it's supposed to. That image represents the first time after my father passed away that I visited the farm and was met with the challenge of taking care of not only it but also my grandmother who was still alive then. I had a lot of help because my mom was also still alive. She kept me strong during what was a really tough time. One of those crossroads of life. I remember setting the timer on my little camera(pre-digital days) and running to jump on the fence to strike a pose. I stood tall and proud and I wondered, what was next in life...


The image of the colorful vehicle represents one of the first things I saw when love and I went to the Philippines. It was an exciting and curious moment. I was like "whoa, this is cool." In my mind, I felt like I was in photography heaven because in every direction I found the coolest things to capture with my camera. And as we drove further along I'd see the most interesting people along the way. It was the beginning of a journey and a moment in time that spoiled me beyond belief... I have no doubt the second time around will be even better. The challenge is making that happen and hopefully soon...


The image of the man represents when I went to Atlanta to visit a home that I owned there at the time. It was also one of those moments in my life that I wasn't most proud of because I was escaping a bad time in my life after allowing poor decision making to stir me in the wrong direction; pursuing unrealistic dreams with the worst kind of people pulling me down. Getting away to Atlanta by way of stopovers in Texas and Louisiana was a reminder of what I loved so much; photography. As I sat in a downtown park in Atlanta, I saw this man on the verge of walking right past me. I didn't have time to raise my camera all the way up, aim, focus and shoot so instead I lifted my camera slightly and snapped the shot really quickly. I prayed that I captured him in the shot and had no clue until I viewed the image later that evening. My discovery is what you see. I was excited. That excitement took me away from any and all problems or stress that I had in my life at the time. That was magic.


Finally, the image of the bed and the ocean outside the window was pure heaven. It was what my first morning in the Philippines looked like. And the feeling was pure magic, lots of love for SHE is the reason why heaven existed and still exists, and the best part that warms my heart was the sounds of roosters crowing in one direction mixed with the sights and sounds of the ocean outside. (a reminder of how I grew up during summer visits to Texas. No ocean but sounds of roosters) All I could think and feel was that I'd been blessed with the best of both worlds thanks to the love of my life. Her home in the Philippines is simply amazing and what could possibly be better than to have two people in love, surrounded by love, enjoying an incredible breakfast of longanisa, eggs, garlic rice, delicious pancakes, great coffee, and fresh mangos... It truly was heaven in more ways than I'd ever thought possible... the only thing missing was being able to call my mother and tell her what an incredible time I was having. Instead, I had to believe that somehow she was there in spirit with me or perhaps watching down on love and I from heaven above...


Most of this is written somewhere on this blog but tonight I had to revisit these moments in time. I happened to be browsing thru old images and these stood out... Life is truly an amazing journey, through all the good and bad... ups and down... crossroads and high times.... it is whatever it is....

Weekend of Anniversaries..

Emmett Till was abducted and later killed after whistling at a white woman. 1955
Barack Obama accepted democratic nomination, 2008.
Police clashed with anti-war demonstrators in Chicago, 1968
I Have a Dream Speech, August 28, 1963
Hurricane Katrina 2005
Beatles played their last major concert in Candlestick Park.
Lets Go Crazy by Prince released in 1984
Michael Jackson birthday.. August 29, 1958

Everyday this past week I kept hearing about an anniversary of some major event. It was mind blowing just to hear each one and how far or not so far this country has gone... And each story would be amazing to sit and relive via book or movie created in its honor... There's an event this weekend that I hope gets swept under the rug but sadly the news will cover it nonstop and the silliness of it will be covered extensively on Ed Shultz and Keith Olberman's show... God Bless America and it's incredible history...

Gen. Powell said it best...

It's a real shame this debate and all the subsequent protests, talks, airtime filling up news channels. All this anger continues to flood life's airwaves at the moment. I often wonder if the destiny of Obama's presidency was/is to bring to light the fact that America has simply had a bandaid over it's deep wound of racism all this time... No longer hidden, no longer disguised, no longer waiting outside the backdoor... it's here and on display.. the world is watching and probably laughing... I also thought religious conviction breeds a certain peace, understanding and empathy... This image/portrait that Gen. Colin Powell mentions in his comments should be held up high for all to see, especially those who carry so much anger based on perception rather than fact or reality...

Overall this moment doesn't seem so teachable as much as it appears to be an affirmation of the way things are...

The Lack...

“A lack of communication is the key to so much misunderstanding”

I often wonder why so many choose that route when it comes to their direction each day. What’s the motivation there? I know of two individuals in my workplace who use to greet me all the time. I’ve known them both more than ten years, just to throw a figure out there yet in this year they’ve taken it upon themselves to no longer speak to me, greet me, etc. Not that I mind. (laughter follows) I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything… But, as someone who likes to sit back and take note of various personalities and ways of life; I find the whole thing fascinating because there’s no reason for it. There’s been no arguments, no unkind words, not even conversation taken out of context. It’s just a scenario of wake up one day and notice poked out lips mixed with apprehension everytime you’re in the vicinity. Imagine the difference if there was communication? "Foolishness is a hard explanation to find," I once heard. So instead, I encounter like today for example; one of the poked-out-lip squad walking in the opposite direction, coming my way. She leaving work and me coming into work. She commences to stiffen her neck, hold her head straight, eyes pointed forward, maybe even holding her breath… It was funny looking from my vantage point; the ultimate in silly, unnecessary behavior. I wanted to laugh but instead I played the game too, though I looked at her because I wanted to see how long she could hold the stiff neck position. Actually, now that I think about it, the above quote has no merit in this situation only in that this person is not really someone I see or converse with on the regular so I feel like she would have no right to display such attitude but some folks fall into that other category. The one with a strong odor of ignorance. The one spelled out in two words, sometimes hyphenated and sometimes not. First word begins with an ‘A’ and the other an ‘H’.

What a wonderful thing..

What a wonderful thing, love is.. I was listening to this song(Al Green) today and it immediately took me back... Not too far, though. Mentally and heart-fully, if you will, it took me back to this past weekend when I was feeling so lucky and blessed each time I looked over at a certain someone who truly in every sense of the phrase, "makes my life complete." She does. I always long to have her near. To touch her. To hear her voice. To wake up and see her smile. It's something very special happening all the time.. I always wish it had happened sooner but as always, gotta write it off as being the way it's supposed to be. God's will in good time, as it should be sort of thing... As I always say to her.. "wow!"