Windy City

Came back from the Chi this weekend. Had a pretty good time, catching up with friends and family. I have never been there before. Didn't do much because of the time. My baby cuz got married to a good dude. I had to go on out and support em. I'm very glad that I did. Other than bumping into Trick Daddy in O'Hare (okay, I recognized him and figured I had to say su'm. Hell, he's one of the reasons that some of these catz know HOW to be real), it was a pretty glamour-free weekend.

One of my lil cuzzins said she'd put up some pictures on her myspace page. Guess I gotta get an account to view it, since she's private. Didn't feel like doing that tonight....

So anyway, since I was there figured I'd look at her friends' list, going through some of my cuzzins' and friends' spots....why did I do that? It was all to the good for the most part. Got my heart strings to tuggin after a few minutes of perusing. Ran across HER page. At any rate, that's not public material, just venting right now.

But for the most part, I ran into my extended famz pages on there. I won't go further than showing luv. The diligent can find more with a few keystrokes. I love my people. I won't ever forget my 360 fam. I won't forget what more that we encompass.

As I contemplate my next steps

I realize that I won't ever have the full plan

It must roll out before me

Too much focus on any one part of life

Will only cause me to pivot, that is, travel in circles

How can I achieve happiness

If I don't make a happy decision today?

Perhaps a neutral decision is better than nought

We'll see.

God is good

WHCAA

I need people to understand that I really feel a deep profound experience when working to make it happen with one another.

Check out WHCAA until I post more under this...

Okay, I was a tad bit in another zone when I typed this up. I somewhat look at our opportunities for advancement and I consistently conclude that it is so easy for people to progress as long as we are willing and able to work together.

It is our own in-bred separatist ideas (of course, not always internally born) that lead us to working exceedingly difficult in order to attain basic goals. I have found myself acting out in the same delayed manner. Okay, I'm still on dat same mess--told ya'll I will not say I'm doing it how it gotta be done. Actions gotta say my part and nu'n else.

Sorry for my digression. I'm picking up after this has sat a few days. It is now 13 September. I have dropped the ball on quite a few things and they are all pretty important....no, NECESSARY. We train our own lax behaviors, so I'm taking over.

T.I. vs TIP is a concocted lil cd. He is who he claims to be, and humbly as a man is to be. Never giving up on the truth that is to be told. I found myself somewhat disappointed when I first copped his joint, but there is a reality that exists in life...and that IS life itself. This ain't no joking matter nor is it one for us to take for granted.

Teachers...get your students to talk about the song, "DOPEMAN". That is a good reality check for everybody who thinks that they can make a difference for themselves and their families through that hellified "game" as we tend to express it.

Learn that your real families are those that you choose to deal with. The older generation has a story to tell and it should not be considered moot because they are not living to their fullest glory. We should encourage one another through participation in programs, volunteering services. Why do we consider it a must that we tear at someone's efforts, I will never understand...Oh, I forgot. We just HAVE to say some things, right?

I love you, but your breath stink. I couldn't find a way to tell you. lol

Nah, but on the real. All of the jackin and stealin and shyt that we be on is a pure joke, as well. And who do we get it from? Now that is ridiculous.

Vick, keep your head up. I know of Pit Bull Kennels of all types, but they're trying to make you out the guinea pig. Don't sweat them pigs tryna take your chow. These are things that will bring you down. You are a man first. Always remember that.

I gotta get myself in bed. Too much to say for one sitting.

??Lynch a Nigga??

Whew...those are some heavy frightening words put togetha. Much like f*cc u. U can't pay me enough to voluntarily live under such conditions, yet we tolerate this mindset each and every day. Jena, La is only one of a multiple of everyday atrocities that we must live under.

God - Allah will provide. We need not create through enthusiasm-driven hate a harmful atmosphere for our neighbors. We must always learn to step down off our high horse and give thanks for what we have received. What is taken will be given again. What is promised to you is always yours to keep unless you choose to give it away. Choices, I tell ya. We can get so caught up on the choices that we make that we can really burn a hole in our stomach, yeah. Now datz some serious shyt.

But like I said...

Allah - God will always have your back. Shake the stress off. You are forgiven for what you do if you accept it.

I need to share some good vibes with people. I'm off to Austin, TX for this holiday weekend. Peace to all the headz.

Break Ups to Make Ups

Love...

The more you know about it, the more you need to learn. I stood best man for my boy. It was a beautiful event, as they all should be. Almost pulled a lil too much emotion out of me, but I was able to maintain. Marriage...blessed union.

I was grooving to 107.9 [ATL] when an old groove came on with the lyrics "I'll only stop, so we can start all over again...." Mmmm mmmm mmmm. I don't know why I "hold on to the past" like I do. I know I ain't the only person, though.

Something how life has such an immediate presence, but we feel like it's all getting away from us. Where is it going? I've come to see for myself that missed opportunities are the bases for the feeling of LACK. Carpe diem! Get yourself out of that rut. Enjoy today as only you can, appreciating the need for personal disciplinary excellence.

lol, I really went a different direction with that one. Had to keep my sanity.

Crack!!! Wow

I was browsing a couple blogs today that somewhat disturbed me, but, nevertheless, I have to voice my thoughts.

In this day and age, urban (rural, as well...) america has embraced the crack epidemic with such a shoulder shrug that it is very discouraging. As our moral values continue to be revealed by the increasing un-utterable acts that the media tends to harp about, I wonder when will the turning point come? Going by my simple religion or spirituality (not to mention old school soul), I know that a change gone come. God hasn't just let go of us all, but He is letting us see that we're tearing ourselves down.

In a post by another, a resident of Detroit derided a protest for a strip club to change hands, since it resulted in a half-million dollar lawsuit against the city. He suggested that the protesters' claims that strip clubs harbor crime and lead to urban blight are stupid. I'd agree that they don't necessarily HAVE to foster such an environment, but c'mon now. Travel just a lil bit. At any rate, within the same post, reference was made to the crack dealers that are plaguing the city (as well as other areas).

I am not one to pose a moral debate, but crack is bad and strip clubs are cool? I don't condone crack and I have visited a strip club, so I see where he's coming from, but we can't be so negligent with our beings.

Me and Mary still have an ongoing affair, so once again...I'm not one to talk.

Crack (heroine, etc) has led to a number of problems in our society, but it just doesn't seem to go anywhere. Incarceration tends to curb the habit of some dealers, but the lack of job opportunity brings em right back. The risk of death tends to shy some would-be dealers, but it tends to increase the number of deaths as well (kill or be killed). Supposedly, survival of the fittest, ey? People tend to say, "how come they can't get a real job?" Nobody wants to wait for the pay day, enduring bullshyt from this or that one. It's just that much easier, it seems, to go out and get paid.

With all of the hoopla of moving WEIGHT, I wish more people could actually revisit the front lines. The violence and degraded morals that people can resort to could possibly change the minds of those who tend to glamorize the world of coke.

The thing that bothers me most is that people don't really WANT to do what they're doing, they just want the MONEY (some want the power, as well, but I digress). But man, what the love/need for money can lead one to do.

I haven't built myself up to look at the Wire really just yet. How many people realize that Baltimore's city blocks have been emptied as a result of this drug game? I tend to respect individuals' capacities to adapt to an ever-changing environment (i.e. surveillance), but dayum. The same thing is happening AND HAS ALREADY HAPPENED across the U.S., depending on where you look at. We talk about gentrification and how it changes the demographics, but never look to seriously reclaim what is ours to begin with.

Stop giving up hope. Dope dealer: there is another option. Resident of a crack-infested neighborhood: this doesn't need to be the only landscape you'll see.

But we have to look above for that change to come.

Fugee La

Man, I am still in awe at Lauryn Hill's vocals. I know this is all coming out of nowhere much like any of my posts/statements. Last night I caught part of a documentary on PBS: "Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars." I need to catch the full film, but the part that I saw was powerful enough.

This film is yet another source of reality that we westerners can feed off of. People are being oppressed daily for the benefit, gain, pleasure (if any of that) of others. After the latest push to raise awareness within the hip hop community of the effects of the b-word, n-word, h-word, etc, I had to seriously look at my support of a lot of aspects of life that encompass these things. Sad to realize how corrupt I am in that regard. Knowing is half the battle.

I embrace a future of growth and encouragement and sharing along the way. For anyone oppressed, there is deliverance.

What's the Plan?

A good friend of mine has always stressed the need to develop a sound business plan for whatever course of business I plan on taking. In true form, I have not completed ONE. I was brought to realize this again after a weekend in H-town.

It's a blessing to have most of your friends alive and well at the 30's mark. It's also a blessing to know that everything is working more or less according to plan. It's somewhat disheartening when you realize that more could have been done towards moving further. Can't cry over spilled milk, though.

Now is time to Keep on Pushing....in the words of Bun B (Trill) and Kamikaze (Mississippi, represent). A lot of work. A lot of time, more or less.

I heard that one of our brothers (Dajum, Live Kingz...anutha New Orleans representa)will be in Houston towards the end of July. I don't know the exact details, but any music lover may want to look out for them. Of course if I get further details on the cypher I'll be laying it out for you.



Speaking of which, the Essence festival is coming up pretty fast. It doesn't seem to have the pizzazz that it used to have, but surely it's coming back up. 4th of July ain't but a couple weeks away.

The small world that we're in, I ran into a classmate from Sherwood Forest Elementary school!!! We're talking class of '87 (6th grade), here. Those were days of kickball and dodgeball, etc. Life took some drastic changes after then. I did a quick search, hoping to 'borrow' a pic in relation to the school and I ran across articles where the students were holding a conference to discuss school needs.

It's time for the communities to be more involved in their schools....nationwide and worldwide. As blacks we more than likely have the stack against us, but it doesn't mean that we're slated for failure. We need to shed that mindset and move forward. I'm blessed to be able to tutor an adult in basic math and she's doing very well in it, although she has been 15 years out of school. I would hope to impress on anybody (young or old) that anything...and I really do mean anything is still available to you if you would like to pursue it. You don't have to know something to learn it.

Keep your Head to the Sky

That song is something of an inspiration. Happy Juneteenth people. Today marks the close of celebrations here in Corpus Christi, TX. Of course it's work as usual, but I'm not complaining. As long as I'm not forced to work for free, right?

I ran across this poster two weekends ago in Temple, TX while doing what I tend to do a lot of when not busy--checking out homes for sale. Not sure if you can read it when blown up or not. This morning I was just re-reading an email from a co-worker concerning what we tend to focus on and, therefore, bring to being.

Although society has its negative influences, I tend to see a push to improve. The people have always been central to the directions taken in life. I think that all goals are attainable. Those events that tend to take away from the goal can and probably will happen, but they do not have to be the knockout blow, if you will. Joy & Pain, like Maze said it.

Work hard. Don't give up. The rewards will be well worth the trouble.

As a side note: There was a band from Houston that played down here this past weekend. I don't have access to myspace, but their page is supposed to be 'jayosoul'. These guys really tore it up on some neo-soul tip.

How Can I Help?

I find myself keeping that type of mindset when talking to people about different efforts/causes. Truth be told, however, is the fact that I haven't done a tenth of what I could do to really truly help out. As the adage goes, a man that stands for nothing falls for anything. Life has it that there are people unsatisfied with their existing conditions and are willing to speak and act out against those realities.

I have to shout out my man Phil for his thought-provoking commentary at his blog. While the subject matter is not always the most appropriate for every audience, his blog was probably one of the sites that really caught my attention. It goes to show me how you really can't just mesh in with EVERYbody else. You really have to be an individual. One of the first blogs I've read, though, was of a hip-hop heroine by the name of Miranda Jane: Pyramids 2 Projects. I pretty much enjoy whatever she writes about, even if some of it has no significance to me.

Based on what I've read from them, I'd be pretty much willing to assist them wherever I can, if they requested. Fact is, though, they don't know me from adam. I've found myself inspired by them, along with countless others who would have a mind to follow their mind.

The latest site that I've come across is the Black Coffee Channel. Now when I say that blacks young and old should AT LEAST view the home page, I b.s. you not. I've had my eyes opened more since visiting this place. And it's not all new information. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot that I've NEVER heard before, but a lot of it falls in line with similar notions that I've carried for some time.

Anybody viewing this blog, I put links in my "Get Ya Mind Right" section to share information that is important, be it for entertainment or for education. I've learned not to be entertained by too much foolishness, although God is still cleansing me of my lewd mentality. I speak on that because I think of how we black folk have always coped with hardships or significant events, sometimes by strengthening our efforts in certain endeavors, and sometimes by joking about the situation. I grew up looking and laughing at crackhead jokes, but that subject was NO laughing matter. So I say all that to say that "entertainment" will not simply be light matter.

Not sure how active I'll get with this blog, but thank ya'll for joining in. Don't take my words as law. I'm just sharing what's on my mind.

Living Broke

Having a broken spirit can be a very humbling experience. Gets you to thinking about what's really and truly important to you...or it can lead you into a very disturbing wave of what I'd like to call otha shyt. I am truly glad to know that God's got everything under control. I forget at times and it becomes a whirlwind. Know what I'm sayin?

I would wonder if that is some sort of mind control of some made up idealogy/formed theology, but it ain't really set up like that to me. You know how you live life and feel like you can truly say that you've seen it all? Then something else happens and slaps a new reality in front of you? Well fast forward a lil bit, if you can. Even that situation has been worked out. Why not KNOW then that the present will soon be known as PAST. I don't know. I'm rambling...right.

I had to learn this again; you know REMEMBER? Forgetting is an interesting action. We switch our thoughts to suit the environment that we are dealing with. Living in fear of something or another.

Katrina did it for me. My city is still strong, though nobody thought it'd be so. I have to make a trip to the Mississippi coast, though. When I get [10-20 miles from] there and see life bustling, I'll know that God must have ALREADY had things taken care of before the storm ever got there.

So as the storms of life keep on raging around us and in our life (there's a gospel song by Wintley Phipps that is straight gutta...but I digress), we should have comfort in knowing that what we see right now does not matter for the long haul.

Call me crazy if you must. What I truly am is comfortable.

Retired from CCISD: Harry Williams

I do not follow the news as often as I could, perhaps should but an article jumped out today. Yes, it was on the front page of my coworker's newspaper [Caller Times]. The only black voice left on the school board in these parts has chosen to resign after a few years of hard work.

He has been viewed by some as "that guy"--you know, the troublemaker. The one who chooses to call a spade a spade, bringing others to shame/defense. This latest 'loss' of a prominent black individual in such an important position could cause others to lose hope. But as Eddie Murphy so candidly put it in Life, "I ain't give up no muthafvckin hope!!!"

Nobody wants to live life feeling that their input is not heard, rather, not respected. Choosing to be a leader should be accompanied with the realization that it won't be easy. I'm very sure that Rev. Williams realized that all along, from working with the local NAACP through the past quarter of a century (I'm not sure of his history, could have been longer than that). Fact of the matter is, you can never truly prepare yourself for some of the things that you will encounter when you choose to fight for justice.

Rev. Williams was one of a portion of this community who fought to keep one of the elementary schools open in this city's neglected Northside community. It reopened as a high school, which is a blessing, but it could have taken the route of countless schools in America, following the theme of gentrification. In Huntsville, Alabama, some older citizens are currently fighting to save a less-known building that represented the city's first black high school prior to desegregation. See the cause here. Chances are, some of the aged schools in your areas have gone down, because nobody cared to keep it up. There are people doing things, but they need the support of all of us.

I am rejoicing right now because I know that Mr. Williams' story will not be one of despair. True, he may have left the CCISD but he will now have time to work more closely with the students of the Corpus Christi area, even if he is wanting to work more with the black students. This area is an interesting one (this won't be my first or last time mentioning this) in that the population is actually 5% black. To have a black spokesperson has untold value in this day and age, least much in an area with such racial demographics.

Coming out of the real south, dixie that is, it was somewhat of a challenge to get accustomed, but I was okay since the majority of the population is Hispanic. The caucasian population has second place, but are still a minority, but greed--I mean green--is the real majority. Pretty much like everywhere else you go, regardless of the skin tones. But it's almost like a part of the Hispanic population is going through the same self-neglect as blacks and others have already been through (and still going through on many an instance). When you don't take care of your own and don't build up your kids' self-esteem and only want to go after what others are going after, regardless of the actual need, you end up living a crack-pipe dream.

I call it that because you see a high point and actually think you're living large, when ultimately you've done nothing to progress yourself/family/descendants. You've only done the opposite.

So anyway (my rambling sometimes has all too much control) continue to fight the good fight--whatever it may be. Law school, nursing school, equality, your court case, fundraiser, etc. It is going to be a challenge, else you wouldn't have to work at it. If you have decided to give up, pick up something else...or get up and try again. There never is an end to your accomplishments. I don't care how long it's been since you've done something towards a goal or if you haven't done anything at all. Just get to it, or as Nike made so famous, "Just Do It."

Yeah, I'm talking that smack, and my kitchen is stuck somewhere between Before and After. lol

One a dem days

Man, today was one for my recordbooks. You know the type where everyone at work is looking at you for answers, but you want to simply suggest that they do something with your extremity. Yeah, one a dem days. Unfortunately, I maintained that kind of attitude for part of my day and, therefore, probably didn't give as positive a look as people are used to getting out of me.

My turning point came when I thought about my seriously jacked attitude and its contribution to the solution. I had to remember that God has it all under control already. Somehow I didn't really sweat the small stuff anymore. Yeah, it was really that simple. I still have to take care of that work, but it ain't gettin to me like it was earlier.

Real N-I-double-G-A

Ice Cube ripped a verse some 20 years ago with this here reference to himself. I'm not sure how old I was at the time. I distinctly remember Skate Country in New Orleans East during this "F*ck da Police" timeframe. Yeah (for those who know)....THAT long ago. The movie ATL reminded me of Skate Country, although I don't recall the contests (I wasn't that much of an avid skater, either).

Anyhow I have to fast forward due to quitting time getting further away from me. Although I respect NWA for sharing sentiments of black urban youth and opening up the door for others to speak out on the injustices served in their own locales, I wonder about the effectiveness to date that referring to myself as a nicca has done for me and those around me.

I wondered recently about people's views that using [the N-word] to refer to oneself is actually a form of self-hatred. I sometimes feel that perhaps these individuals have a form of self-hatred themselves. I am not saying that I am referring to them by that name, but they and me should be the same ey? Chris Rock, who is one of my favorite comedians/actors said on a HBO standup special, "I love black people, but I can't stand niggaz!" I have a friend out here that likes to make an equally interesting observation: "I tell you, Niggaz!" I tend to use this statement myself because it's somewhat fitting (and humorous in my own slanted thinking).

As I was saying, I was wondering whether or not black people who are so against the use of the N-word hold some form of self-hatred. I know initial reactions come in the form of, "No, I LOVE MYself!!!" I am not saying that you don't love yourself, but you don't love the rest of us niggaz (who deem ourselves that, nahmean?). Interesting self-revelation: I speak so much (to myself) on separation of people that I don't realize that we self-professed niggaz tend to escalate the separation.


Hmmm, guess I have some thinking to do tonight. Haven't quite touched the house much...and I picked up a new toy.


For modern day Black History news, in a morbid theme however, the founder of the Boys Choir of Harlem died March 23. His name is Walter Turnbull and hailed from Greenville, MS. Now admittedly, I had no clue of the Boys Choir of Harlem, but I will start to look into some of the history and will definitely mark that location (and temporary location if still there...folks read the article) to visit when I get to New York this summer.

Here is another example of using what you have. This is a young black man coming out of Greenville, MS (guess that would have been around the late 50's to the 60's), pursuing Opera of all things and starting this choir in a church basement in Harlem. I suggest you guys put in some research of your own and please leave comments with reference spots. I would appreciate it. This goes to show you that God does a LOT with a little. Also noted in the article is a history of scandalous activity goinz on up in there, but sometimes evil infiltrates very good initiatives.

Prayer Changes Things

What it do folk? As the days continue to roll on by, I am humbled to know that the Creator is providing all needs and in serious ways.

Recently, a number of things have popped up to cause my thoughts to race. Ultimately, though, I have GOT to learn to place such things in the Master's hands. I say I got to, because, though I would like to be part of the faithful few, I live a doubtful life just like anybody else.

I am grateful the judge ordered that my lil cousin's daughter be returned to her custody after the paternal grand-mother was able to take custody from her. So much has gone on in that family not to mention the baby's health struggles for my cousin to have to deal with something like that as well.

I am grateful for the friendship that me and my popz have despite the lack of anything significant in my earlier years. To that effect, I appreciate the examples that I had in some friends' fathers as well as my uncles by marriage (RIP Clint and Allen). For anyone to say to me that things will never change, I offer my suggestion to simply believe.

I am grateful for all of the examples of ways being made for parents--single, young, poor, etc. Nobody knows for sure how needs will be met, but I've seen needs met time and time again--without the assistance of outsiders like myself who feel like we can't help.

I am grateful for the pilgrimage back to New Orleans, though most everyone thought that my city would die. My city is very much alive.

I am excited to know that prayer changes things, but I'm more excited to know that God takes care of business.

I work....baby

I have been putting off some serious work down here in CCT. Doing my best to prioritize, in order to get things done. Cold weather slowed me down on my ride, then my ignorance held me up longer.


Here are pictures during her downtime. I changed out the rear axle. I've really been slipping on my maintenance and there was a leak at my passenger side axle bearing for a few months (I'd changed the bearing twice, to no avail) which led to some wear. Not to mention the nasty mess that gear oil can leave on the side of a vehicle after being slung off the tire.
















Sorry if this comes out in a funny orientation, not experienced with posting pics. Thankfully, I finished this work on President's Day. What should have taken two days turned into something around two months. No problem, I'm about to start complaining about filling her up again.

But now I get to enjoy the driver's seat again.

I bought a [fixer-upper] house this past fall and I've been having nothing but fun with it. I had the extreme pleasure of realizing that the copper water pipe had been cut out during itz vacancy. I didn't realize this until I had the water turned on at the house. No water at the bathroom, no water at the kitchen sink, but I felt water--it was coming thru the ceiling. Currently, I'm in no position to go on and on about what's been done to the place, because it' s going through some disorganized remodel.

I did get the water pipes connected, with no leaks (thank God). A friend started to do the work brazing the copper and before he could come back another day to finish, I took what I learned from watching him. No it didn't come out right the first few joints I tried, but I sat down in a chair and practiced again...and I guess Jack learned a new trade.


Recently, I got an alarm system with APT: A Pitbull Terrier. He's a 10-month old character with lots of love, lots of emotion, and a mild case of schizophrenia. I like to let him loose at 1:00 in the morning so he can get to know the neighborhood.


This weekend I'll be picking up countertops for my kitchen. I haven't laid any floor tile for wanting to have the cabinet layout firm. The remodel money has been consistently dwindling, but I trust God to take care of the details. I took a chunk of it and paid on my student loans.

Graduates and near-graduates beware: FORBEARANCE will not help in the long run. A little more change now...a bigger debt later. Just take my word for it.


Back to topic, I made a temporary layout for the kitchen, but a deal on countertops may force a re-design. I will be going to the local surplus warehouse for unfinished oak cabinets. That will probably come out to $1200 there. I've already set up some plasma appointments, lol. Blessing, though: I will be able to pick up some used corian countertops for around $450!!! Somewhere around 60 square feet.


This is a very huge learning process for me and I know that it will allow me to help others who want to do similar things. I'll never be able to help with the color combos, though, as I have no clue. People really need to think about what they want to spend to live. I know that I'm speaking from areas with lower costs of living, but the hoods typically have the benefit of being cheaper than the burbs. I'm talking to the entire United States and beyond.


Blessings....I got work to do.

Is that a Train????

My mom called this morning and told me that some tornadoes sat down in N.O. She said it sounded like a freight train. That's what I remember when I moved to North Alabama (Huntsville shout out!!!). There was a time when tornadoes were never really feared at home. Hurricanes were detectable and were the only true threat as far as a storm is concerned.

Kinda makes me avert my thoughts to "last days" thoughts. All of this destruction occuring, along with a lack of concern...it is so fitting with prophecy--Bible prophecy, that is. We are living our lives with just about no hope for tomorrow. It's all about what we feel today, what we want today. Get my drift.

I watched State Property 2 yesterday. While I enjoyed the theatric maturity and excellent storyline of this movie, it really had me thinking about the urban (and country; you can see the same elements on dirt roads) brown-skinned community. We are really out there with money so much on our mind where it's "f*ck whoever stands in my way." While my heart goes out to the young black men in the drug trade, I see this mentality in everybody.

The U.S. deficit has been going down since Bush has been in office, but why is that? Bush is Beans!!! Get down or lay down! How do you get out of debt fast? Cancel your debt, settle for less than what you owe, cancel your debtor! That might take me off track. No, it definitely will.

Back to topic: if you ever got mad at a family for falling short on their expenses and you needed to help, talking to you. If you've punched a woman in her stomach when you knew she was pregnant with your kid, talking to you. If you've ever maintained a separation from those "not on your level," talking to you. If you've resented the kids making better grades than you/your kids, talking to you. Of course, the list goes on and I'm not a true blogger like that to cover a number of these, so I'll step away from this one.

I will get back to the original topic, though. lol. Too many of us (myself included, folk, no saint here...saints fan, but no saint) live as if what we do has no effect on our lives. Cancer and STDs are avoidable. Pollution is avoidable. Racism is avoidable. Separation is avoidable. But they're all here, thanks to you and me and our counterparts from generations before.

Fortunately, it's not a dooms-day story. You really can enjoy life, not being overly consumed with what is going wrong. Katrina did not kill my city. God is taking care of all the people throughout the U.S. and beyond. He heals. He provides. This isn't some feeling, this is reality. The same God that has provided / is providing for Native Americans, Jews, Mexicans, Africans...all of the dispersed people of the world...is the same God taking all of us through all sorts of trying times.

Take a look at the book of Revelation, preferably an older version (King James). It's not a scary book as some have grew up to learn. It's not about Damian from The Omen. There are so many books and movies out to confuse the general public where the people really don't know what to think anymore. I say bump dat.

Learn about the love of a Creator who allowed us to live, despite knowing that not everyone would make it.

Where's the soul food?

Recently, I was talking to a couple older gentlemen (on different occasions) here in Corpus Christi about an area here called Hillcrest. We got to talking about an old BBQ place--Greenwood BBQ, or something similar. Both men are of the impression that this place had the best BBQ around, and maybe even in Texas.

Do you guys have similar instances of the bombest foods falling off the face of the earth? I hate to think about focusing on food as a way of retaining culture. This is just a way of monitoring how people's cultures are falling off.

I encourage people to support the businesses that you enjoy. It doesn't take much for the business to go under or close its doors. A number of unexpected internal influences could occur. Then there's the rising cost of keeping your doors open to include escalating taxes based on zoning changes, insurance costs because of people looking for stuff in their food, utility costs, etc.

I remember when I first left New Orleans in '93 and went to school in Alabama. I was pretty much used to going to almost any store resembling a corner store and getting a meal. Much to my surprise, everybody went to the fast food or the chain restaurants. I just wanted to get a decent sandwich or plate meal for five bucks or less.

Fast forward to post-Katrina and I tried a new spot this past MLK day at home. I was very disappointed. But the spots I used to go to are still closed. Probably can't afford to pay rent, fix the place, etc. I'm not saying that it's all over, because it's far from over. There are other places that are opening--some never closed in the first place. I was just mad that my cousin had the nerve to say that the place was good.

There are probably a number of places that you guys might know of serving food with that distinguished taste. Please have pride in what is inherently yours as the owners have opened up their business to you. For the family cooks (as I know there are scores of you with them in the family tree), reach out to those family members and compile your own lil recipe books. Why re-invent the wheel entirely?

Happy New Year Michoud

This Christmas passed kinda funny for me. It was my first time sleeping in my room since August 2005, before Katrina came thru New Orleans. My mom's been working on the house (with the 'assistance' of contracted help) very diligently for the past year, restoring it to the original.

I wanted to send out words of inspiration to any that have the will to make the effort to return home. Make it happen. With the power and grace of God, you will accomplish your goal.

Note to self: just believe.